In today’s society it seems that mediocre is often considered “good enough.” At Leader Publications we do not feel that is acceptable and want to celebrate and recognize excellence.

Even better, the community has a chance to help us with this important initiative and have a voice through the 2015 Best of the Best reader’s choice awards. This annual competition allows readers to vote for the businesses that go above and beyond in more than 100 categories.

Have a favorite restaurant? Show them your support. Know a contractor who gets the job done right and on time, every time? Cast your vote for them. Think a local business deserves recognition for serving the community? Help ensure this effort does not go unrewarded.

It is easy to cast your votes and doesn’t cost anything. The rules

are simple.

Pick up a ballot in either the June 18 edition of Off The Water (inserted into the Niles Daily Star, the Dowagiac Daily News, the Edwardsburg Argus, the Cassopolis Vigilant or found at more than 200 free-standing locations across Michiana) or in the June 21 edition of The Leader shopping guide.

Fill out the ballot as completely as you can, then mail it or drop it off at either our Niles or Dowagiac offices.

Starting June 18, readers can also vote online by visiting www.leaderpub.com and clicking on the Contests tab at the top of the page.

The results will then be shared July 23 in Off The Water, July 26 in the Leader and online.

Why should you take the time to do this? Because local businesses are the lifeblood of our communities and those who do a great job deserve to be recognized. It is a way for customers and citizens to really say thank you to the businesses that stand out.

Now is the time for all of us to strike a blow against mediocrity and reward excellence in choosing the Best of the Best.

 

Michael Caldwell is the publisher of Leader Publications LLC. He can be reached at (269) 687-7700 or by email at mike.caldwell@leaderpub.com.